Chicago Auto Show

Since the new Pontiac G8, which is based off the European Holden Commodore SS-V, will be introduced tomorrow at the Chicago Auto Show, I thought it would be nice to add some wallpapers to the database. And for information purposes, the new G8 will be packed with a 6.0L V8 with 362 horsepowers. If you like it, the new G8 will arrive in showrooms by early 2008. Those 20-inch wheels look lovely as well. 😉

I guess this won’t be such a surprise as I found leaked images of the new Scion xD and xB on Car and Driver while I was surfing the automotive forums. Way to spoil the surprise, I guess Car and Driver can’t really be trusted after all. Anyways, back to the Scions. The new xD will replace the xA model. Styling on both of these new vehicles are a bit controversial perhaps, but you can’t argue with the futuristic characteristics hidden behind the designs. The xD will receive the Toyota Matrix/Corolla engine, which boasts 128-hp and is available with either a 4-speed or 5-speed automatic transmission. The xB, which looks to be borrow design from the Urban Cruiser concept Toyota released, will be more powerful, sharing the 158-horsepower 4-cylinder engine from the Scion tC. But yeah, will these vehicles really save Scion after they announced dropping sales in previous years? We’ll see. My guess is that they probably won’t climb back up.

Images of the new Dodge Dakota’s from the Chrysler Group have surfaced onto the internet, maybe a bit earlier than expected. The new Dakota will sport a fresh look inside and out. If you’re big fans of boxy cars, then the new Dakota should be right along your list, with a new edged off crosshair grill like found in most of Dodge’s new line-up. Under the hood, the base engine is a 3.7-Liter V6 which outputs 210-horsepowers. Also optional is a 4.7-Liter FlexFuel V8 which has the ability to output more than 290-horsepower. Want to tow? No worries, the new Dakota has a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,000 pounds!

And according to Kicking Tires, the new Dakota will feature a standard remote starter. Yes, standard. Who really likes Dodge trucks now anyways? The new redesign seems to not symbolize any change to the Dodge brand and still has that plastic, cheap feel just by looking at photos, imagine what consumers will feel when they step into one. However, the good news is that the price should be “Dodge-priced”, meaning that it will be mostly affordable, but then, I could buy a new, more popular Ford F-Series for the same price rather than a Dodge.

And is it enough to compete with the new Tundra as well as the award-winning Silverado? I think not.

Saturn will unveil the new Saturn Astra, which is rebadged from the Opel line-up in Europe, to replace the current ION sedan. The Saturn Astra will be available as a 3-door model or a 5-door model. The Astra will have 140-horsepowers under the hood, which is powered by a 1.8-Liter Ecotec 4-cylinder engine available in either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The Astra looks the same as the Opel counterpart inside and out, which isn’t so bad since the Astra hasn’t been subject to criticism in terms of appearance. Available options include a two-panel sunroof available on the 5-door model, heated cloth or leather seats, and six airbags are standard. If you’re interested, check out the complete high-resolution gallery.

Nissan will upgrade its truck line-up with a series of facelifts from inside and out including a little less chrome than before and a more revised look. Engines will also be upgraded with more power. The new Nissan trucks will be unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show. For complete information, continue reading.